CVE-2025-8902 in Widget Options Extended Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/23/2025
The Widget Options - Extended plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's 'do_sidebar' shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 5.2.1 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2025
The Widget Options - Extended plugin for WordPress presents a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-8902 affecting versions through 5.2.1. This vulnerability resides within the plugin's 'do_sidebar' shortcode implementation where insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms fail to properly validate user-supplied attributes. The flaw specifically impacts authenticated attackers who possess contributor-level access or higher privileges within the WordPress environment, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited to compromise user sessions and execute malicious code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of shortcode attributes within the plugin's sidebar functionality. When authenticated users with contributor permissions or above create or modify content containing malicious script within the affected shortcode parameters, the malicious code gets stored within the WordPress database. Subsequently, whenever any user accesses pages containing the injected content, the stored scripts execute in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further compromise of the affected WordPress installation. This represents a classic stored XSS attack vector where malicious input persists and propagates through the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-8902 extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems through the WordPress platform. Contributors and above typically have significant privileges within WordPress environments including the ability to create and edit posts, pages, and media files. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts that could redirect users to phishing sites, steal administrative credentials, or establish backdoors within the WordPress installation. The vulnerability's persistence through stored content means that the attack remains effective until the malicious code is manually removed from the database, potentially affecting all users who access the compromised pages.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a direct violation of CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses that allow attackers to inject client-side scripts into web applications. The issue also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which covers the use of malicious content in web applications for initial access or privilege escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the patched version of the Widget Options - Extended plugin, implementing strict input validation for shortcode parameters, and conducting comprehensive security audits of all installed WordPress plugins. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential malicious script injection attempts and user access controls should be reviewed to limit contributor-level privileges where possible. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms in web applications, particularly within content management systems where user-generated content processing occurs.